Kentucky moves up in ESPN 2021-22 Preseason Rankings

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello updated his 2021-22 Preseason Rankings for the first time since late June, and with Davion Mintz back in the fold, Kentucky is up one spot to No. 8. Borzello notes that while the Cats did not add Illinois big man Kofi Cockburn, they’re still in contention for Jalen Duren. The five-star center will decide between Kentucky, Miami, Memphis, the G-League or Australian NBL in the coming weeks.

“Mintz started 21 games last season and shot nearly 38% from 3-point range; his combination of experience and ability to play either backcourt spot will earn him plenty of minutes even despite the additions at guard. He was terrific down the stretch of the season, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 assists and shooting 47.1% from 3 in the final six games.

“Up front, Kentucky didn’t land Kofi Cockburn, who entered the transfer portal before opting to return to Champaign. The Wildcats were heavily linked early in his transfer recruitment, although the two sides went separate ways a few days before a decision. They’re also still in the hunt for elite 2022 prospect Jalen Duren, who is expected to reclassify into the 2021 class. Much of the buzz of late is centered around Memphis and Miami, however.”

ESPN

If Kentucky does land Duren, Borzello says the Cats will be national championship contenders. For now, he projects the starting lineup will be Sahvir Wheeler, TyTy Washington, Kellan Grady, Keion Brooks, and Oscar Tshiebwe.

Where Kentucky’s competition ranks

Borzello’s top three is Gonzaga, Kansas, and UCLA, with the Jayhawks moving up two spots thanks to Ochai Agbaji’s decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Lawrence along with Jalen Wilson and Remy Martin. Other Kentucky opponents on the list include Michigan (No. 7), Duke (No. 10), Arkansas (No. 13), Alabama (No. 15), Tennessee (No. 17), Ohio State (No. 18), and Auburn (No. 21).